VIETNAM NEWSPAPER HIGHLIGHTS - JAN 2, 2003.

HANOI, Jan 2 Asia Pulse - Highlights of today's newspapers:

QUAN DOI NHAN DAN

- Vietnam's tourist sector last year received 2.6 million foreign tourists and about 13 million domestic tourists, an increase of 11.5 per cent and 11.6 per cent more than 2001, respectively, earning VND23,500 billion. This year, the sector plans to welcome 2.8 million foreign visitors and 14 million domestic tourists, obtaining around VND25,000 billion.

- The UNDP has pledged US$300,000 to fund a project to transform Vietnam's comprehensive poverty reduction and growth strategy into action. The project aims to incorporate the strategy into provincial annual and long-term development plans.

THANH NIEN (YOUNG PEOPLE)

- The Finance Ministry has lifted taxes on imported diesel and kerosene as well as slashing taxes on products used in the production of petrol. Under the decision, the 10 per cent tariff on kerosene and 5 per cent for imported diesel oil have been lifted. Duty on imported products used in the production of petrol such as naphtha has been cut from 30 to 20 per cent.

KINH TE VIETNAM & THE GIOI